All Chapters of A Love Once Lost: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Anastasia Greene Johnson Ethan was telling the truth. Dorian had already taken Ruslan home safely.“But Ana, where on earth are you?” Brynn’s worried voice immediately came through the phone. “Are you okay? Is that crazy bastard not letting you go? Do I need to come over?” I stood there, utterly bewildered. If Ethan really didn’t intend to take Ruslan away from me, then why the hell is he here?“I—I’m fine, Brynn. Don’t worry. Just make sure Ruslan doesn’t wake up and decide to run away again. I’ll be home in a few minutes. See you.” I ended the call and stared at the screen. My mind was still struggling to piece together the bizarre sequence of events that had unfolded tonight.“If you’ve confirmed everything, can we go?” Ethan’s voice came from behind me. “Surely you’re exhausted and want to get some rest.” I sighed, rubbing my temple as a dull ache began pulsing behind my forehead.“How do I trust you?” I demanded. “What if you secretly smuggle me onto your private jet a

Anastasia Greene Johnson I never saw this coming. Ethan had done plenty of things over the years to frighten me without warning, but this? This was nowhere on my list. It happened so quickly that my mind simply failed to catch up. I sat there utterly frozen as his lips moved against mine in that familiar, intoxicating rhythm, and I hated the way my body betrayed me by remembering sensations my heart had long since decided I had no right to feel. Not for my tormentor. Yet his minty breath mingled with the intoxicating scent of his cologne, and for one treacherous second, it was enough to make my head spin. Almost enough to make me forget where I was. Almost. Until I felt his tongue searching for entrance. What the— Why am I letting him do this? The absolute nerve of him! The haze shattered. I snapped back to myself and shoved him away. But apparently, Ethan had decided my rejection was merely an inconvenient pause. He leaned in to kiss me again as if possessed by

Anastasia Greene Johnson“What the hell?!” Brynn’s voice climbed several octaves by the time I finished recounting the chaotic disaster that had been last night.“Brynn, watch your foot!” The car lurched forward, and I instinctively grabbed the handle above the window as though my life depended on it.“You’re treating the accelerator like it personally insulted your ancestors!” She shot me an irritated glance before easing off the pedal. I released a breath I hadn't realised I was holding. Apparently, surviving Ethan’s reckless driving last night wasn't enough. Now I had to survive Brynn, too.“Oh, for crying out loud! Why won't he just leave you alone?!” she fumed, her hands tightening around the steering wheel. “Does he think life is a fucking playground where he can yank your pigtails and call it love?” I said nothing. My energy had been wrung completely dry, and my mind still felt clouded by the events of last night. I didn’t have the strength—or the inclination—to pic

Anastasia Greene Johnson The streets glistened with rainwater and muck, the remnants of an afternoon storm that had finally decided to relent. My workday had drawn to a close because I didn’t need to work overtime anymore because of the sudden raise. So I stood outside, waiting for Brynn to fetch her car from the parking lot. But, as fate would have it, peace was a luxury I wasn’t destined for. Out of nowhere, some reckless driver careened through a puddle, sending a tidal wave of muddy water cascading over me. My jeans and tee bore the brunt of the assault, utterly drenched and defiled. For a moment, I stood there fuming, but then a horrible realization dawned. That car — the sleek, ostentatious black Lamborghini — belonged to none other than Alexander-freaking-Robertson! Of course. Who else would be both rich enough to own such a car and arrogant enough to drive it with complete disregard for anyone else? As if his misbehaviour towards me the night before weren’t enough. . .

Anastasia Greene Johnson After Alexander disappeared into the restaurant, Max remained where he was for a moment, dragging a hand through his hair before releasing a long, weary sigh.“Hey, I’m. . .” He hesitated, looking genuinely exasperated. “Honestly, this is becoming routine now. I don’t even know what to say to you anymore.” He gave me an apologetic look.“I’m sorry on his behalf. And, rather shamefully, I’m asking you again—because apparently Alex has made being an arsehole into a full-time profession—please don’t put anything about this on the internet.” There was something almost disarming about his sincerity. I couldn’t help wondering how someone as level-headed as Max had ended up best friends with Alexander. They were chalk and cheese. Max was composed, diplomatic and perpetually cleaning up the messes left behind by his friend, while Alexander seemed utterly indifferent to the carefully polished celebrity image Max was desperately trying to protect.“Umm. . . y-